This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Lugburz are a band from Poland that plays a very raw, melodic, atmospheric and misanthropic form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2013 album "Pure Misanthropy Of Death" which was released as a joint effort between Satanath Records and Dark East Productions.

A very fast, and raw black metal sound starts off the album along with some blast beats, grim screams and atmospheric synths a few seconds later as well as a small amount of growls and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them while the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid and fast parts.

You can hear a lot of melody in both the riffs and leads while the solos also bring in an old school extreme metal feeling at times and the music also brings back the 90's atmospheric European style with the synths and some of the riffs also add in a touch of death metal influences as well as a touch of thrash and the last track also brings in a small amount of clean playing and semi melodic vocals.

Lugburz plays a style of black metal that brings back the 90's synth style while also being very raw and melodic at the same time, the production sounds very powerful while the lyrics cover Left Hand Path, Satanism and Dark Nature themes.

In my opinion Lugburz are a very great sounding raw, melodic and atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Blades Of Maelstrom" "The Devil's Anthem" and "Eternally Lifeless". 8 out of 10.

Astarot are a band from Mexico that plays an atmospheric form of black metal and this is a review of their 2013 album "As Leaves Fall" which was released by Satanath Records.

Nature sounds and field recordings start off the album along with some atmospheric synths a few seconds later and after a minute grim yet high pitched black metal screams make their presence known on the recording and they also have a very depressive edge to them at times and one the second track drum beats are added into the music.

Elements of ambient can be heard quite a bit throughout the recording while spoken word parts can also be heard in certain sections of the recording and one of the tracks is very long and epic in length and when the music starts getting heavier it brings in more of a fast and raw black metal sound that utilizes a great amount of blast beats.

At time s the vocals can get very deep and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and they also alternate between both the ambient and heavy sides of the music quite a bit throughout the recording as well as keeping around the nature sounds and some songs also bring in a small amount of clean playing and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them.

Astarot plays a style of ambient black metal that is very epic and atmospheric sounding, the production sounds very heavy and raw while the lyrics cover nature, nostalgia, melancholy and astral themes.

In my opinion Astarot are a very great atmospheric black metal and if you are a fan of this genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "As Leaves Fall" "Despair" and "The Secret Garden". 8 out of 10.

Wasteland Of Reality are a band from Belarus that plays a mixture of black and death metal and this is a review of their 2013 ep "Unnamed Chaos" which was released by Satanath Records.

Distorted yet clean guitar playing starts off the ep before going into more of a heavier musical direction which also brings in a more modern style of death metal and melodies and after awhile grim black metal screams make their presence known on the recording and the solos and leads also use a great amount of melody.

You can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on the recording and you can also hear a decent amount of death metal growls in some parts of the songs and when the music speeds up a decent amount of blast beats can be heard and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and the solos and leads also gives the music more of a Swedish black metal vibe and they also bring in a brief use of movie samples on one track.

Wasteland Of Reality plays a musical style that is very heavily rooted in the European black metal tradition and also adds in a touch of death metal to create some very heavy yet melodic music, the production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover dark, violent and anti religion themes.

In my opinion Wasteland of Reality are a very great sounding mixture of black and death metal and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Pedophile Priest" and "Die For Victory". 8 out of 10.

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Seraphic Disgust is a rotten mixture of War, Death, and elements of Black Metal.

2.So far you have released a demo and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

The "demo" was recorded soon after guitarist/vocalist AC and I (NB) formed Seraphic Disgust. I'd like to think it gets the point across, however its very raw and poorly executed. I would NOT recommend listening to it. Haha... As far as the full length, I feel the musical sound was very true to our intentions. The embellishments added by Ed Talorda (sound engineer/producer) really tied the album together.

3.The lyrics cover Demonology and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

Around the time of the formation of the band, I had been heavily studying these dark subjects. In creating this thoughtform (Seraphic Disgust) a sigil had been created and is featured on the cover of the CD version of the "AltarCunt" release. Of course the sigil contains personal hidden meaning...

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Seraphic Disgust'?

Our Name directly pays homage to the classic novel "Paradise Lost" which was a immense influence in the songwriting.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Recently we opened for Bolzer and Ritual Necromancy. The show went fairly well. I'd say our stage performance could use a little work...

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Right now, our only plans are preforming with Venom Inc and Necrophagia at a local venue. After that we will be playing in Portland, Oregon for the third FAMINE FEST.

7.The cd version was released on 'Engulfed in Darkness Records' and the cassette was released on by P-18 Records, can you tell us a little bit more about these labels?

Both are fairly new and promising labels, that have been easy to work with. Hope to work with them more in the future. Another cassette release had been made by Headsplit Records for the AltarCunt album as well.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of war, black and death metal? So far I've only really heard feedback from a few like minded individuals (from varying countries) and a few publications like your own. It seems to have somewhat positive reviews. Some are eager for our next effort.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

All 3 other members are involved in various extreme bands. AC plays guitar for Antebellum666 and Impure Consecration. Guitarist IL plays in Ascended Dead, and bassist RR is also a member of Condemned. Each one of those bands is currently active.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

With Seraphic Disgust, there will always be a mixture of extreme elements, but to the core we are a Death metal band and will remain in the realms of death.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Of course we are inspired by the classics; Angelcorpse, Blasphemy, etc...one major impact on our song writing was the joining of IL. He has a very distinct, blackened style of composing...

Lately I've been addicted to the Mortem discography!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Hails and thank you for listening to our music! Look out for a split later this year/early 2017 between us and a truly killer band. (More to be announced soon).

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Bastarth where a band from Russia that plays a pagan form of black metal and this is a review of their 2013 album "The Stench Of Blood Plexus" which was released by Satanath Records.

Nature sounds start off the album along with some ethic folk instruments and ritualistic chanting being added into the music a few seconds later as well as some melodic chanting and on the second track they start adding in whispers along with more heay atmospheric sound which also retains the folk elements.

Both of the riffs and leads can be very melodic at times along with all of the musical instruments having a very powerful sound to them while the vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams and when the music speeds up a small amount of blast beats can be heard while the music is more focused on either a slow or mid paced musical direction.

Later on during the recording they also bring in a a couple of instrumental tracsk while later later songs also bring in a small amount of clean playing and melodic pagan singing and the screams also start developing more of a depressive tone and they also bring in a cover of Goatmoon's "Kunnia Armageddon" before closing the album with one of their own songs.

Bastarth plays a style of pagan/black metal that is very epic, melodic and atmospheric sounding while also having its raw moments, the production sounds very dark and raw while the lyrics cover Paganism and Nature themes.

In my opinion Bastarth are a very great sounding pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Cal the Last Battles" and "Prayer Madness". 8 out of 10.

Radogor are a band from Russia that plays an atmospheric form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Enlightenment" which was released by Satanath Records.

A very dark and atmospheric sounding synths starts off the album along with some nature sounds for a couple of minutes and after the intro the music goes into a heavier direction while also keeping the atmospheric elements as well as mixing in more ambient touches which also gives the music more of an epic feeling.

When vocals are added into the music they are grim black metal screams and the solos and leads also use a great amount of melody and spoken word parts can also be heard at times while the vocals can also get very depressive at times while some songs also being in a small amount of clean playing and all of the music sticks to a very slow musical direction while the last track does close with blast beats.

Radogor plays a style of ambient black metal that is very slow, atmospheric and epic, the production sounds very raw and heavy while the lyrics cover philosophy, nature, and misanthropic themes.

In my opinion Radogor are a very great sounding atmospheric, ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "I Would Like You To Fall In Love" "Light Sadness" and "Take With You". 8 out of 10.

Morodh are a band from Russia that has been featured before in this zine and plays a depressive form of post black metal and this is a review of their 2012 demo which was released by Satanath Records.

A very atmospheric synth sound starts off the demo along with a melodic post metal guitar lead a few seconds later as well as some high pitched depressive black metal screams and both of them dominate the recording and the guitar riffs also use a great amount of melody while you can also hear all of the musical instruments that are present on the recording.

Clean playing along with a small amount of acoustic guitars can be heard in some parts of the songs and violins are brought onto the second track which is also long and epic in length and all of the music remains true to a very slow musical direction and you can also hear a touch of ambient at times and they close the ep with a short acoustic instrumental.

Mordh played a style of post black metal on this recording that was very depressive and displayed more of a raw sound than what was to be heard on later recordings, the production sounds very raw yet heavy while the lyrics cover hopelessness, loneliness and despair themes.

In my opinion this was a very great sounding recording from Mordh and if you are a fan of depressive post black metal, you should check out this demo. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Hopelessness". 8 out of 10.

Svarthaueg are a band from Norway that plays a very raw form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2012 ep "Ritual" which was released by Satanath Records.

A very heavy, fast and raw black metal sound starts off the ep along with a great amount of blast beats and high pitched screams and after awhile the songs start bringing in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts while the vocals also have their angry yet grim moments and the riffs also use a great amount of tremolo picking.

At times the vocals can be very depressive and the riffs also bring in melodies at times while you can also hear all of the musical instruments that are present on the recording and the music goes back to the mid 90's style of fast black metal as well as bringing back to the chaos that was present in that era and the last track also brings in a brief use of melodic guitar eladsEnter Chaos" and "Evoke". 8 out of 10..

Svarthaueg plays a style of black metal that is very fast and raw in the mid 90's tradition and they keep everything in a very chaotic musical direction, the production sounds very raw yet powerful at the same time while the lyrics cover Occultism themes.

In my opinion Svarthaeueg are a very great sounding fast and raw occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "

1 – For Those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
A. Sathsiva: We ‘re from Italy and we play Black/Thrash Metal with Occult, Esoteric and Traditional Magic
Rites lyrics; we was born, as band, in 2009 ‘cause I splitted up my first band, WAR, but I wanted play again extreme music with an Occult/ Esoteric approach. Too much people pass by Nyx, for line up, in my opinion… at least G. Azelyoth (our second drummer; he has recorded all our cds) and S.Flagellyon (in two different moment) joined the band and we recorded “HAIRESIS”. Back in the day my idea was about an hybrid style between Black, Thrash (for guitar lines) and Avant-garde Metal but after “…DEATH…” it was clear to us that a simply Black/Thrash was our own line for future. From here “Obnubilato Incesto Semen” “Fides Lucifera” and “Hairesis” go ahead on this way.
S.Flagellyon: I joined the band in October 2012 as bass guitar player, already in Schwarz Pest (as guitarist,
composer, bassist and backing vocals) and Herjan (vocals, guitarist, bassist, composer).

2 – So far you released 2 demo’s, an ep and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that
is presented on the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
A.Sathsiva: Yes, two demos: “…Death…” total different approach; Black Metal with Thrash Metal and a little bit of Avant-garde (about some structures and the LITTLE use of keyboards). It appears as an “ casual episode” within our discography if you consider the musical style, but at same time, we had the “ANTI” attitude yet, of course… this attitude is at the basis of Our Spirit and Birth. MNMO!! “Obnubilato Incesto Semen” is the second one and here the music is Black/Thrash Metal and we have no more keyboards and we play faster…is an unripe work but I like it and it starts our tradition to use paintings for covers. The EP “Fides Lucifera” maintaining musical style and, obviously the Esoteric lyrics; it contains two new songs – at the time – “ Reverteris” and “Tulpa Strigoi”, a Marduk’s cover “Jesus Christ Sodomized” and a re-recorded version of “Ejaculating Death”. “Reverteris” in particular, revealed the melodic part of us and a little technical way in the structure that we use more times in our songs. This EP is important for me ‘cause was published by Ordo Templi Serpentis a label created on purpose to honoring a Path between me and the Magician that make It. At last we arrived to “Hairesis”, our first full album, published by Vacula/Sathanath Rec. It represent Nyx in official way, and official sound. Black/Thrash Metal & Occult and Esoteric Lyrics. It condense the best parts of the past works…
S.Flagellyon: I started to play in Nyx in October 2012 and I only recorded “Hairesis”. The kind of Black Metal proposed in it is raw and fast, but still sough without too many compromises and strongly influenced by Swedish Black Metal style and Thrash Metal. I think the composition style is the same of the previous works, change the sound that in the past was certainly influenced by Death and Doom Metal and Thrash more than now. I believe that Nyx's sounds and atmospheres are unique and not easily to found elsewhere, something new and innovative for the genre.

3 –In the beginning the band had more symphonic, doom metal and thrash elements and the new album
has more of straight forward black metal style, what was the reason behind going into this musical
direction?
A.Sathsiva: Simply because I’m an old style Metal head, I played and listen for all my life old Metal style of
different subgenres (Tharsh and Black in particular, but also Death and Classic Heavy Metal). So when I listened the final master of “…Death…” I said “this is not my way, is too much light for me…missing violence here …I must come back to my roots!!”. After “…Death…” still remains the Thrash Metal riffs played in Black Metal way… I like to listen and play it. This is the simply reason behind!
S.Flagellyon: I joined the band and I started working at “Hairesis” when it's sound has already oriented
towards the current sound.

4 –Your lyrics cover a lot of Luciferian, Left Hand Path and Occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more
about your interest in black arts?
A.Sathsiva: I’m within Occult, Esoteric Arts. I study and practice Occultism. All my life style is around it. I’m arrived in this Part of Life, years ago, in natural way; I can say that I’m always here…the reason is private, obviously! The LHP is the way that I chose for the rest of my Life and for my Death. I’m practicing everyday a sequence of practice taken by different disciplines within LHP, and I’m practicing Necromantic and Occult experiment with sleuth people. At same time I’m interesting in traditional studies (Medical & Magical) ‘cause are very very very very important to practicing Magic. As musician, I’m interesting also in tradition of shamanistic chant and some disciplines of therapeutic use of music…all the results of my research go into my music for Nyx, but I like to keep ‘em all under the ashes. I believe it’s right that.
S.Flagellyon: Nyx's lyrics are written by A.Satshiva, I take care of the bass composition. I make music for
myself and I consider it my refuge, no praise for supernatural entities; I am not satanist and I am not interested in the Black Arts.

5 – I know that the band was named after the Greek Goddess, how does this name fit in with the musical
style that you play?
A.Sathsiva: Nyx is the Night. Night bring rest and dreams or torments and nightmares. When you sleep are in deep contact with yourself and if you can’t control this level you touch your “mask” in different part and
identifications, so I wanted to see this as a V.I. T.R.I.O.L. descent, a condition where you have no escape from yourself, you must face the REAL you, and you must to fight against your parts and your condition –
paradoxically - during wakefulness. This is one of the firsts steps to change your Spirit, fight with yourself, to
start your translation into a “Warrior Monk”. Nyx is a stance, inside and outside ourself. Also our logo contains contrast and messages, someone is visible and clear, someone else is hidden and Occult… when you start with a deep work in and on yourself, you ‘ll arrive in another dimension with your Spirit and your mind, from here, has no more boundaries…

6 – What are some of the best shows that the band played so far and also how would you describe your
stage performance?
A.Sathsiva: There isn’t a single shows can be named “the best”…they’re all important for atmosphere around and for the bill (we played with Handful of Hate, Natassievila, Helegion for example), we learned so much from other bands and the relationships with other bands are always great… So far our shows are great, ‘cause people are great and this is the important part for live performances, they are great for the energy exchange that’s create between us and people… I can say that differences between our shows, so far, are represented by different hour of our exhibitions: when we open the shows there are less people (but great people, believe me) and when we are late in the bill there are more people and, of course, is cool…about our attitude on stage, as I said I’m an old school Metal Head so our shows are more extreme metal old style! No scenography, no speech, no fake sacrifices on stage…only us that play our music with all the hate that live in us!! I like this way so I’m doing it.
S.Flagellyon: During these years we performed a dozen times and we had the honor to share the stage with big names like Handful of Hate , BlackFlame, Helegion, Funeral Whore, Enisum and Gotland. I remember with great pleasure my first performance with Nyx in May 2013. The best shows are the two with Handful of Hate in December and in April 2015, Release Party with Gotland in March 2014 and “Advnata Daemonica” with Schwarz Pest in October 2014. We usually perform in a direct way and without too many frills, always showing professionalism on and off the stage, the attitude towards the public is of detachment and respect as we believe it is right for the genre and in line with our personalities. The response of the public has always been positive.

7 – Do you have any touring or shows plans for the future?
A.Sathsiva: Yes, we speaking about shows with someone in Italy and in an other country but at the moment is too early to say something in official way…we hope that this can be achieved…at this moment is confirmed only “Slaughter Fest 2016”on February 5 & 6 with Blasphomus Noise Torment, Demonomancy, Necromass, Putridity and others…
G.Azelyoth: We have only a few gigs scheduled for 2016, mainly in the North of Italy, while so far we haven’ ’t planned any future tour dates.

S.Flagellyon: We are currently preparing for the next year exhibitions, at the moment there aren't tour dates but only individual in our city and in Northern Italy.

8 –A couple of years back you had done a Marduk cover, what was the decision behind doing your own
version of one of their songs?
A.Sathsiva: “Jesus Christ Sodomized” is the song ahahahahahahahaha yes, we played a version of this one
‘cause is a real raw riffed and blasphemous song!! I think that it’s sound well also in a more “punky” version, without a double bass and blasts…I like very much the original one, it’s clear, but I think that an “old style version” is good for it, no more tech in the execution of instrumental parts and more rehearsal atmosphere, as an old demo, make it more raw ahahaha an homage to the Spirit of first B.M.… we insert it in “Fides Lucifera” as a balance of melody and tech structure of “Reverteris” at the time…after this facts, I say Marduk of Nineties – ‘til “Panzer Division Marduk”- is my favorite Black Metal Band, I love as Morgan play guitar riff, and I find in their ‘90’s line –up the fury and the violence of the first Slayer…the best of the two subgenres!!!!
G.Azelyoth: It was a natural consequence rather than a decision… we thought i it could work l like that because it reflected our own style. So why not do i it?

9 –On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
A.Sathsiva: It appears a really good feedback; my impression is that our style is appreciated especially World’s East Side and in South America, we have more contacts from Russia, Ukraine and other country of this zone and at same time from Perù, Brazil…for me is a great Honor ‘cause I like very much both people…they are so extreme, I think that if we ‘re appreciated from this people we doing well our job…from East Side – I think- Black/Thrash is a Cult and I like, anyway, the mind of people and ,instead, from South America, the Cult is violence in music so, I think, we are in the right way… as I said, this feedback is a great feedback for me. We have had a good response also from Italy, especially from other bands; so far I can say that I’m satisfied
G.Azelyoth: I think the feedback we had worldwide was not bad, i it was certainly better that the one we had in our country. We make music mainly for ourselves, i if people l like i it, so much the better.

S.Flagellyon: Our latest work has received much interest from Italian and foreign webzines and the reviews
were good . The feedback has been positive also between who followed our exhibitions in our city, the band with whom we have shared the stage and who has listened to our music. We will soon see it also among people who will see us in the coming concerts away from Turin.

10 – What do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
A.Sathsiva: Forever in Extreme Metal. I think we will never do “experiments” like Black Metal and Gospel to
be “originals & cool”…I don’t give a fuck, I don’t give a shit about this way. Of course Nyx will grown up with us and with my research in Musical & Esoteric Tradition so we’ll include sound experiments but always in a Black/Thrash Metal way and often, the big part of these experiments, will be hidden under the ashes, as now…
S.Flagellyon: I cannot know what will be the future of the band; what we can do is to work to try to get the best results possible and to bring our music to a level as high as possible. Then you know that music is also a matter of luck, find the right contacts at the right time. Surely we will continue to make music for ourselves.

11 – What are some of the bands or musical styles that had influence on your music and also what are
you listening nowadays?
A.Sathsiva: I like, for first, the old Bay Area Thrash Metal, I’have grown up with it…in particular the guitar
styles of James Hetfield, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Mustaine (at their Golden Age…) influenced me in my way to play guitar. So their albums ‘til 1994 are my favourites in T.M. about American area, but I like also Coroner, Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, fist Destruction, Sodom and Kreator, and again Hallow’s Eve, Dark Angel and Sadus. I’m influenced by Bathory, as I said by Marduk, Morbid Angel, Sepultura ( ‘til “Beneath the Remains”), Sarcofago, first Dark Funeral, Dissection… Is very important in my background Italian Metal, Handful of Hate, Mortuary Drape, Adversam, Maldoror, Aboyrm, Necromass, Death SS, Funeral Oration and something like Jacula/Antonius Rex, Malombra, Paul Chain, Goblin (“Deep Red” soundtrack is amazing) and I like also classical and ancient music as R. Wagner, Beethoven, A. Vivaldi…nowadays I added to all this Dark Ambient and Martial Folk (Mz412, DHG, Phurpa, Blood Axis, Hagalaz’Runedance, Arktau Eos …) and new Italian Black Metal Bands, Movimento d’Avanguardia Ermetico, Enisum, Comando Praetorio, Oltretomba, Natassievila…All of ‘em and all of these different styles influenced me and someone of them showed me parts of Extreme Metal from a different prospective…I like very much also the music from ‘60/’70 so bands like King Crimson, Coven, Black Widow, Black Sabbath…
G.Azelyoth: Personally I don’ ’t l listen much to black metal, therefore the i influence from bands belonging to this genre is minimal l, I try to process rhythmical languages and musical approaches deriving from death metal and develop them i into Nyx’s music.

S.Flagellyon: I listen to all Metal and in particular to Black Metal in every style and shade; the ratings are heavily dependent on periods and moods , as well as the composition. I prefer the Scandinavian scene (on all Dark Funeral, Behexen, Horna, Marduk and Gorgoroth) that is the one that inspired me much more, especially on guitar being primarily a guitarist. In Nyx I haven't particular reference band or artists for the composition; I rely a lot on my instincts and my good taste including Thrash and Death Metal influences too, in line with the band's style.

12 – Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
A.Sathsiva: Not in particular, for me. I wanna say thank You for this interview and for Your interest about us and I wanna say thank You also to our label, Vacula/Sathanath and to all people that follow and support us… MNMO!!!
G.Azelyoth: I would l like to thank Nyx and all the supporters of underground music.

S.Flagellyon: I would spend last words to thanks your webzine for interest in us and this place, as well as the
good review of our first Full-Length. Regards S.Flagellyon.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

This is a review of a split album between Nebraska's Verrater and California's Sxuperion which was released by Bloody Mountain Records and we will start off the review with Verrater a band that plays a very raw form of black metal.

Their side of the split starts out with a very dark and atmospheric drone and after a few seconds the music goes into a very fast and raw black metal direction along with some blast beats and high pitched screams that also have a very depressive tone to them and the music is very heavily rooted in the 90's second wave style.

The songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and the riffs also bring in morbid sounding melodies a times and the vocals also get deep in some parts of the tracks and the last song is very long and epic in length and their side of the split closes with an ambient sound, the production sounds very dark and raw while the lyrics cover mental illness, sex and violence themes.

In my opinion Verrater are a very great sounding raw black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out their side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Deny peace".

Next up is Sxuperion a solo project that has had past albums reviewed before in this zine and plays a very raw mixture of black and death metal.

His side of the split starts out out with a very distorted yet melodic guitar sound that also gives the songs a drone feeling and after a couple of minutes the music goes into a very fast and war black metal direction along with some bestial death metal growls and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts.

A great amount of morbid sounding melodies can be heard in the guitar riffing and at times the music also gets atmospheric and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them and the solos and leads also bring in a more modern style of black metal and after awhile the music gets more avant garde and experimental and his side of the split closes with spoken word samples, the production sounds very dark and raw while the lyrics have a concept to them all dealing with vibrations.

In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Sxuperion and if you are a fan of raw and blasphemous bestial black/death metal, you should check out his side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Vibration 2" and "Vibration 5". 8 out of 10.

In conclusion I feel this is a very great sounding split and I would recommend it to all fans of raw or bestial black metal. 8 out of 10.

Monday, December 28, 2015

> 1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us little bit about the band?We are Ekstasis, a german black metal group formed in 2010. It started with Chironex and Elias who had known each other for years and played in bands before. Thenceforth we were focused on creating unique music.

> 2.Recently you have released your first full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?It's hard for us to describe our own sound, because everyone in the band got another impression of it.We care about a progressive and various songwriting. It's our intention to differ from other bands. Like our Artwork, we fit pieces together to create an harmonious opus...like a jigsaw.

> 3.The band has been around since 2010 but waited until 2015 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait?We finished recording process in early 2012. Some external individuals, who were involved in this process, fiddled away.. But that's nothing new in music-business.

> 4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?Mental illness

> 5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ekstasis'?Ekstasis reffers to the ancient greek word "ἔκστασις".The translated term "ecstasy" describes the state of overwhelming enthusiasm.

> 6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?All shows were unique in their own way. So far we had two different stage concepts. Our first stage-suit was like old and dirty strait jackets. One member wore a handmade and individual mask. The second concept: We all wore black outfits, the stage-rooms were perfectly darkened and we only used blue headlights. Those shows were really nebulous and intense.

> 7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?A chinese booker asked for a show. But so far we are not able to say more about that. Other shows aren't planned.

> 8.The new album was released on 'Geisterasche Orgainisation', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?They paid very well and took all of our costs.

> 9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?Some were good, and some were bad. But we are glad for everyone who can feel our music the same way we do. We like to read every review no matter if its a positive or negative one.

> 10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?Since we've recorded our first full length album we had massive changes in our line-up. We will see how it will influence the music. At the moment all we can say is that it will be more sanguine and in partsfaster than our current release. Also we are focused to include more highlights in our music.

> 11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?Our important influence is life and all its facets. Even if we love Black metal it's not a strict impact in our music. Some of our members prefer old-school gaming soundtracks, others are more into alternative rock.

> 13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you for your time and interest in this interview.Check our Homepage www.gedankenort.comThere you can order our album, get informed about upcoming shows and the next songs.Give us a like: https://facebook.com/gedankenort

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

TSH evolved from our previous musical activities somewhere around 2012; as a group of friends from the east of the Netherlands with an interest in the darker side of music. With the addition of our vocalist in 2014, the band truly came to fruition.The Shiva Hypothesis strives to mix our love for experimental and obscure black metal with nineties death metal, played with the energy of blackened thrash.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?

The overall feel could be described as dark and energetic, evoking a broad spectrum of different emotions in the listener through varying vocal styles, black metal riffing as well as bigger harmonic structures,melodic basslines and some more technical parts.As a reference point, imagine Emperor,Behemoth, Death and Ved Buens Ende put into a blender with a bit of early Sentenced, Slayer and Deathspell Omega added for further taste.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?The main theme of the band is the concept of destruction and creation, both in philosophical and literal sense. Besides that, we also incorporate elements of mysticism, mythology and folklore from around the world. The tarot and tree of life serve as major inspirations for the lyrical content of the tracks on the promo.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Shiva Hypothesis' and also do any of the band members have any interest in Eastern Mysticism and Philosophy?There is definitely an interest, but the name does not necessarily imply associations with Hinduism or Eastern philosophy. The Shiva Hypothesis is a theory that identifies patterns in mass extinctions, followed by periods of rapid evolution.This concept of destruction and creation, also embodied in Shiva the God, serves as a general theme of the band.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We try to approach our live shows with a lot of energy and an air of mystery, keeping out the metal macho stereotype nonsense (circle pits remain entirely optional!).For budgetary reasons, we haven’t been able to have comets rain down from the skies, but in the future we’re hoping to integrate video imagery and maybe some toasty pyrotechnics.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We’ve got some shows planned, so keep a watchful eye on our Facebook page for more news!

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Although we have enjoyed doing things on our own and have very strong opinions about just about everything surrounding our music, artwork, etc., we would definitely like to work with a label for future releases so that our music can reach a bigger audience, while we can focus more on creating new songs.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

Nothing but rave reviews so far! There are bound to be some complaints about the blending of styles and the absence of lyrics about Satan, but we are not here to satisfy everyone. Our first objective is to make music we would like to listen to ourselves and if that would inspire others to do the same, that would be a perk.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hopefully in the first half of 2016. All of the tracks for it have been recorded and most of them have been mixed. Since our low frequency generator does most of this stuff in his home studio in his spare time, it takes quite a bit longer to finish. After the upcoming full length, we’ve already got some new songs down for a follow-up EP, which features some faster and more ferocious songs, with more blast parts and more big harmonic and dissonant guitar parts.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Beside black metal, all of us also listen to a lot of other music, causing us to bring different influences to the table, which often results into arguments, but mostly leads to interesting passages that sprung from concessions.

Some bands and artists that have definitely influenced us in one way or another (apart from those already mentioned earlier) are:

Mayhem, Primordial, Deathspell Omega, Darkthrone, Secrets of the Moon, Nasum and Absu, but also Fields of the Nephilim, Bersarin Quartett, 16 horsepower, Huun-Huur-Tuu and classical music.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?All of us read a lot, from mythology and philosophy to classic literature. I suppose our evenings of beer-fueled banter can not be considered to be “ non musical”, since there is always some Behemoth album blaring in the background.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?Thanks for the interview and thanks to everyone reading this for taking the time to read this through to the end. Check out our music and come see us live, you will definitely hear more from us in the near future!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Nocturne are a band from Austria that plays an occult form of black metal and this is a review of their self titled 2016 which will be released by Unlight Productions.

A very dark and heavy sound starts off the album along with some melodies before going into a very fast and raw black metal direction along with some blast beats and grim screams and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and death metal growls and clean singing are also used at times.

When guitar solos and leads are utilized they use a great amount of melody and a great portion of the tracks are very long and epic in length and when spoken word parts are brought into the music they give the songs more of a ritualistic feeling and clean playing along with synths can also be heard at times and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them and they also bring in an instrumental track while returning back to vocals on later tracks as well as adding in more diversity and they close the album with a cover of De Infernali's "Sign of the Dark".

Nocturne plays a style of occult black metal that is very epic and melodic while also having its raw moments, the production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover Occultism and Lef Hand Path themes.

In my opinion Nocturne are a very great sounding occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Return To Chaos" "Into The Great Below" "Ama Lilith" and "Sign Of Darkness". 8 out of 10.

Companions Of Hellfire are a solo project from Singapore that plays a very raw, melodic and blasphemous form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2015 ep "Codex Antichristus".

A very raw and melodic sound starts off the ep along with some grim black metal screams and the solos and leads also gives the music more of an old school metal feeling and you can also hear a lot of 80's influences throughout the recording and when the music speeds up a great amount of blast beats are utilized.

Throughout the recording there is a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and the music also mixes in a good mixture of both first and second wave black metal influences and there is also a brief use of clean playing and melodic vocals on a couple of the tracks while the main focus remains more on a raw style of black metal.

Companions Of Hellfire plays a musical style that is mostly rooted in he first and second wave styles of black metal and also mixes in some traditional metal elements to create a very raw and old school style of black metal, the production goes for a raw yet powerful sound while the lyrics cover blasphemous and anti christian themes.

In my opinion Companions Of Hellfire are a very great sounding raw and melodic old school black metal solo project and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Opus I" and "Opus 5". 8 out of 10.

Ande are a solo project from Belgium that plays an atmospheric and misanthropic form of black metal and this is a review of his self released 2015 demo "Licht".

A very dark ambient sound starts off the demo and after the intro the music goes into a heavier direction along with some grim black metal screams which also leads up to more of an atmospheric musical direction and the music also gets very melodic at time sand there are brief intros before every track.

When synths are utilized they add in more of an organic style of ambient and a couple of the tracks are very long and epic in length and when the music speeds up blast beats are added onto the recording along with a more raw style of black metal and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts.

Ande plays a style of black metal that is very atmospheric while also having more of a raw and misanthropic take on the genre and also mixes in ambient intro's, the production sounds very dark and raw while the lyrics are written in his native tongue and cover hateful and misanthropic themes.

In my opinion Ande are a very great sounding atmospheric and misanthropic black metal solo project and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this demo. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Paniek" and "Den". 8 out of 10.

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?We have started on creating the concept of an upcoming album, but this will take at least a couple of years of work until it is mastered, some tracks are finished, lyrical wise, and the general idea of the full-length is already set.

2.In August you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the ep you had released in 2013?It is definitely stronger and fits the misanthropic and adversarial message in the Newborn Serpent, the recording was with no doubt alot harder because this time we did not do it at a recording studio, instead we recorded it at Dahaaka's home studio in France (as for the guitars) and other instruments were recorded in Lebanon like the bass guitar and my vocal parts at Eddy Ferekh's home studio, and the drums were recorded by at Benjamin's home studio in the Denmark, while the EP Warpact in Black was all recorded in one local studio who's equipment were not meant to be for metal recordings and the drums obviously was VST because we could not find or afford any studio for a live drums recording.

3.Your lyrics are very diverse with the Misanthropic, Occult and Anti Cosmic Satanism topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the black arts?Of course they are, but I would not degrade our devotion to the knowledge of the Other Side as only interest or curiosity or a bit of information and general ideas we know, instead, our lyrics are merely drawings made with words, invocations and vibrations to eternalize our true blood lineage and to feed our ever blazing black flame. Hail Azerate.

4.Currently the band is a duo while you have had session musicians on the new album and in live settings, are you open to working with a full line up again if you could find the right musicians that reflect the ideology and musical style of the band?Hatecrowned has always been a duo and we are fine with it this way, but of course if we ever find committed musicians who share our ideologies and misanthropic blood they would be welcome if we saw it fit and needed.

5.You have done live shows in both Lebanon and Europe, what was the experience like in Europe where the religious laws have less of an influence on the government and what where some of the best shows that the band has played over the last 4 years?We never played outside Lebanon, but of course we wish to and we are working on it, as for the local shows, I must not hide it, none was a good one because of the lack of experience for the organizers and the the shrinking of the local metal scene.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?Unfortunately we dont for the mean time

7.The new album was released through both Satanath Records and Darzamadicus Records, while I know about the first one mentioned, can you tell us a little bit more about the other one you had worked with on the new release?Actually it was a deal between these two labels, I think Darzamadicus (from Macedonia) have assisted in the production of the material, we dont know alot about what both labels have agreed on but both have done great work.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer material by fans of black and death metal?The reviews and direct comments from other musicians, fans, magazines, reviewers and other labels were very good and even alot better than expected, even Satanath told us the same, we are very proud of it and we thank and hail each one who supported this work !

9.The band is from Lebanon, a country that is a bit more strict and violent than the American and European countries, do you feel living in this climate adds to the hateful energy that is presented throughout the recording?Well, maybe, I would not notice, because we were born and raised in such an environment. Violence became a very ordinary and daily thing for us, on personal and social level, but at least when we speak about war and hatred we know what we are speaking about.

10.Where would you like to see the band head into musically during the future?I would leave that to the future, Im not saying that we dont plan our moves, but we dont plan for too far.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?The first wave of Black Metal, some classical music, very little of chosen heavy and thrash metal and strongly Death Metal, and nowadays I am listening mostly to bands that share our ideological affiliations, like Watain, Dissection, Acherontas, Cult of Fire, Acrimoniouss...

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?Thank you for the interview, and we would like to thank all our fans and supporters ! HAIL DARKNESS, HAIL KAOS !

1.For those of heard of you, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

WE FORMED IN 1997 AS CARPATHIAN LORDS AND THE FIRST YEARS WE WERE PLAYING A NORVEGIAN INFLUENCED BLACK METAL ALONG WITH GREEK BLACK METAL ELEMENTS.

FROM 97’ UNTIL 2002 WE PERFORMED MANY LIVES IN THE LOCAL SCENE AND AMONG THESE LIVES WE SUPPORTED BANDS LIKE MARDUK(99’),ANCIENT RITES(2000’)AND IMMORTAL(2000).WE RELEASED TWO DEMO TAPES AS CARPATHIAN LORDS(RIDE THE WINGS OF BAPHOMET(98’)AND THROUGH THOSE DARK AND MISTY AEONS(99’).

IN 2000 WE CHANGED OUR LINE UP AND WE DECIDED TO CHANGE OUR STYLE ALSO BY COMPOSING A WHOLE NEW MATERIAL.ACTUALLY WE WERE NEVER SATISFIED BY OUR MUSIC THE PREVIOUS YEARS.WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME WE BECAME BETTER MUSICIANS SO THE NEED FOR CHANGE CAME NATURALY.IN 2001 WE ENTERED THE STUDIO TO RECORD OUR FIRST FULL LENGTH ENTITLED ‘’RECOUNTS OF A CONQUEROR’’ BUT DUE TO PERSONAL PROBLEMS OF OUR PREVIOUS SINGER(AND FOUNDING MEMBER)WARFROST ARMAGEDDON WE LEFT THE WHOLE RECORDINGS ASIDE.

IN 2003 WE CHANGED OUR NAME TO HATE MANIFESTO AND WE PUT THE WHOLE THING ON ICE.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?

BARBARIC WAR BLACK METAL WITH SOME DEATH METAL ELEMENTS.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that the band explores with the music?

OUR MAIN CONCEPT HAS TO DO WITH WAR BETWEEN THE AGES MOSTLY.BESIDE THAT WE EXPLORE DOMINANCE/DEPOPULATION/GENOCIDE ALONG WITH HISTORICAL REFERENCES TO WAR AND PERSONAL HATE BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF EXTINCTION.WE DON’T FOLLOW THIS CONCEPT AS AN EASY SOLUTION FOR OUR BAND WE’RE STRONGLY COMMITTED TO THESE BELIEFS AND WAY OF LIFE.

WE STUDY HISTORY A LOT AND TRY TO REACH A HIGH FORM OF DISCIPLINE.

4.The band has been around since 2003 but waited until 2015, to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the 12 year wait?

ACTUALLY THE BAND IS AROUND-WITH IT’S ORIGINAL LINE UP-SINCE 97’.IN 2003 WE CHANGED THE NAME AND SLOWLY HIATUS CAME DUE TO MANY EXTERNAL DIFFICULTIES.ALREADY I WAS PLAYING IN OTHER BANDS-I.AM.GOD.ALSO-AND WARFROST ARMAGEDDON DEVOTED HIM SELF TO BODY BUILDING SO THINGS ROLLED NATURALLY.BESIDE THAT I HAD MY OWN PERSONAL WAR AND ISSUES TO SOLVE AND THAT LASTED SEVERAL YEARS.IN 2009 I MOVED TO ENGLAND FOR SOME YEARS AND THEN WE DECIDED WITH WARFROST ARMAGEDDON AND I.AM.GOD. TO RUN AGAIN THE WARMACHINE.I RETURNED TO GREECE AT 2003 BUT WE DIDN’T FIND A PROPER FORMULA(IN PERSONAL LEVEL) WITH WARFROST ARMAGEDDON TO CONTINUE SO SINCE THEN I’M RUNNING THE BAND WITH I.AM.GOD ONLY.

5.Originally the band was known as 'Carpathian Lords', what was the decision behind the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hate Manifesto'?

WE WERE KIDS WHEN WE CAME UP WITH THIS NAME AND STILL GOING IN SCHOOL.AT THAT TIME IT WAS OK BUT OBVIOUSLY IT WASN’T A QUITE SERIOUS NAME TO REPRESENT US SO WE CHANGE IT.HATE MANIFESTO REPRESENTS EVERYTHING FOR US.IT REPRESENTS OUR MUSIC,OUR BELIEFS,OUR ATTITUDE AND WAY OF LIFE AND WHAT WE STAND FOR THAT IS TOTAL HATE TOWARDS ALL AND EVERYTHING.IT’S OUR PROPAGATION.

6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer a duo?

WE’RE TOGETHER SINCE 97’ AND THAT’S QUITE A LOT OF TIME.WE’RE NOT JUST BAND MATES WE’RE BROTHERS CONNECTED WITH A STRONG BOND LIKE FAMILY AND WE WOULD LIKE TO UNDERLINE THAT FOR EVERY POTENTIAL INFILTRATOR.WE DON’T LIKE STRANGERS AMONG US AND IN THE BAND UNLESS IS A PERSON OF OUR STRICT TRUST.

THE BACK BONE OF THE BAND WILL ALWAYS BE ME AND I.AM.GOD.THE ONLY ONE THAT IS AFFILIATED CLOSELY WITH THE BAND IS WARHEAD FROM WARGRINDER THAT WILL BE THE WARMACHINE BEHIND THE DRUMKIT FOR THE FULL ALBUM ALSO AND THAT’S SOMETHING REALLY SATISFYING FOR US(IN PERSONAL AND MUSICAL MANNER).

7.Recently you where a part of a split with 'Wargrinder', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

WARGRINDER IS A MASSIVE BAND THAT FORTUNATELY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GREEK SCENE CONCERNING MUSIC AND ATTITUDE.I CONCERN THEM A TOP BLACK/DEATH METAL BAND IN THE AMERICAN VEIN AND ALSO VERY UNDERRATED.BUT THAT’S THE GAME ISN’T IT?WE DON’T PERFORM MAINSTREAM OR HYPE BULLSHIT SUCH AS ORTHODOX OR MELODIC CRAP SO THINGS FOR BANDS LIKE US NEED SKILLS EFFORT AND PLENTY OF TIME TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

8.The split was released on Fistbang Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

FISTBANG RECORDS IS A SMALL BUT UPRISING LABEL THAT EMBRACES BANDS AND ACTS THAT HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.GIANNIS IS AN ORIGINAL UNDERGROUND GUY PURE AND HONEST.HE BELIEVED IN US FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND WE THANK HIM FOR THAT.CHECK ALL THE RELEASES OF THAT LABEL AND YOU’LL REALIZE THAT EVERY BAND IS HAND PICKED CAREFULLY

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of war and black metal?

VERY GOOD ACTUALLY GREAT SUPPORT FROM ABROAD.

PEOPLE THERE APPRECIATE AND WORSHIP THAT KIND OF AGGRESSION.

10.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

YES I.AM.GOD. PLAYS ALSO FOR CULT BLACK METALLERS VORPHALACK AND RUNS HIS PERSONAL PROJECT CALLED DEATH.FOR.YOUR.RACE.BESIDE THAT HE ALSO RUNS PROJECTS THAT I’M NOT AUTHORIZED TO MENTION.AS FOR ME MY MAIN BAND WILL ALWAYS BE HATE MANIFESTO AND BESIDE THAT I’M RELEASING A 7’’ EP WITH A PROJECT CALLED CULT OF EIBON IN THE VEIN OF THE OLD ROTTING CHRIST AND VARATHRON ERA.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

MID OF FEBRUARY WE’RE RECORDING THE DRUMS.I HOPE AFTER THAT IN 3/4 MONTHS TO HAVE THE FULL LENGTH FINISHED.

AS FOR THE FUTURE EXPECT NOTHING MORE OR NOTHING LESS THAT THE TYPICAL HATE MANIFESTO AGGRESSION AND STYLE.WE’RE A BAND WITH A CERTAIN MUSIC DIRECTION AND THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE.WE’RE TAKING OUR TIME AND CREATE ONLY WHEN WE FEEL IT NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE TO.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

WELL HARD TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.WE’RE MOSTLY INFLUENCED FROM BANDS THAT WE GREW UP WITH,THRASH/DEATH/BLACK METAL BANDS.WORSHIPPING BATHORY,SODOM,IMPALED NAZARENE,SARCOFAGO,ABOMINATOR,BESTIAL WARLUST,INCANTATION,OLD IMMOLATION,OLD ANCIENT RITES,PROFANATICA,ORDER FROM CHAOS,DEMOLITION HAMMER,DESTRUCTION AND MANY OTHER GREAT BANDS.

NOWADAYS I'M LISTENING MOSTLY CLASSICS FROM THRASH AND HEAVY METAL THAT I GREW UP WITH.AS THE YEARS PASS I DIVE MORE AND MORE TO MY ROOTS AND TO BE HONEST I REALLY ENJOY IT.

13.DoesSatanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

NOPE,NOT AT ALL.

14.Beforewe wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU AND YOUR ZINE FOR YOUR HONEST AND IMMEDIATE SUPPORT STAY PURE AND DEVOTED BROTHER.

AS FOR FINAL WORDS AND THOUGHTS I HAVE TO SAY THAT EVERYTHING AROUND IS CHANGING AND DETERIORATING CONCERNING PEOPLE MUSIC AND EVERY DAY LIFE.STAY TRUE TO YOUR BELIEFS AND LIVE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING.DON’T DEGENERATE YOUR OWN EXISTENCE BY WEAK PATHETIC HUMAN ACTIONS.LIFE IS WAR CHOOSE YOUR SIDE.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?1. We're a two man outfit. The demo was written in 2010 with the aim of creating bleak, hideous atmospheres. We pressed the demo tape ourselves and Joe from Regimental Records did a CD. Our debut full-length 'Burgeoning Death Void' recently came out on cassette through Spanish label Nebular Carcoma Records.

2.So far you have released a demo and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?2. The demo is pretty rough but the intent is clear. More a result of what gear we have access to as we record and mix everything ourselves, so it's been a bit of a learning curve. Burgeoning Death Void definitely has more power in the guitars which helps to convey the horror. Other than the production the sound hasn't changed, maybe a bit more movement in the rhythms.

3.The band has been around since 2010 but waited until 2013 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the first 3 years?

3. The demo was written in 2010, but we spent those years playing live and making records in other bands. We both backed the material and neither of us were in any rush to push the demo out until it was filthy enough. So the delay was a result of working around other projects and figuring out how to get the right sound with the gear we had.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?4. Human suffering, particularly relating to famine, disease, cataclysm and possession. And Inhibition, epiphany and revelation. Both of us write lyrics, and are taken by the horror of Poe, Machen, Lovecraft, Bradbury, King.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nil Abyss'?5. 'Ill tendency to be, the Nil Abyss inverting deeper' is a phrase from the self-titled demo track. We were reading things like Less than Zero, and short, supernatural horror stories at the time and noticed a common theme of a 'moral abyss', be it on the behalf of a pimply teenager or elder god.

6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?6. Making records has been the focus so no live shows up to this point. It's not completely off the cards but we have other projects which perform live so it's a matter of having the time to take another band on the road.

7.I have noticed that the band stays away from any social networks, do you feel that this been making black metal too mainstream?7. We have a bandcamp page and that's enough. Social media is good for bands that want the exposure but that's not a priority for us. I've always thought people into underground metal will seek it out regardless. The actual substance of the music and how bands market themselves seems more likely to be what makes them 'mainstream', saying that I wouldn't consider bands like this to be playing black metal at all. A limp-wristed sub-genre at best.

8.So far you have worked with Regimental Records and Nebular Carcoma, do you feel these 2 labels have been done a lot to get your music out there heard?8. Joe from Regimental got behind us early on and definitely helped get the demo heard in the states and Europe. Nebular Carcoma have been promoting the full-length pretty hard, and being based in Spain should help the maniacs over there get their hands on some tapes too.

9.The new album was also released on cassette, do you feel this format has been making a comeback in the underground for the last few years?9. I think tapes have always been a big part of the underground, especially for those getting into rock and metal before CDs came about. They never really lost their charm for us but at a guess I would say they're more tactile, and definitely more durable.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?10. Yeah good mate, we've had interest from hellmen in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, India, USA and Australia. Those who've gotten behind us should know what to expect from here on out, unrelenting, horror-laden filth.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?11. The emphasis on horrific atmospheres and rhythms will definitely stay as it is the foundation of the music. New chords and transitions need to be there personally to keep the interest for us. Further sickness and obscurity in the instrumentation is always a goal.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?12. Hard rock, death/black metal. Horror soundtracks by Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Goblin, Hermann Kopp. These days AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Master's hammer, Pestilence, Mortuary Drape, Bathory and the likes normally get a spin over a few beers.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?13. Cheers to all the maniacs who've supported Nil Abyss. More communion of stark, charnal horror awaits.

Dawnstar are a solo project from Germany that plays an instrumental form of atmospheric black metal and this is a review of his 2015 demo which was released by Lone Tower Publishing.

A very dark, melodic, heavy and atmospheric sound starts off the demo and the music sticks to mostly a slow or mid paced direction with no vocals or song writing ever being utilized and the riffs also utilize a great amount of tremolo picking to give the music more of a raw sound while also speeding up briefly with a couple of blast beats.

All of the musical instruments can be easily heard on the recording and there are also elements of ambient being utilized at times along with some thunder sounds and there is also a brief spoken word part before the music goes into more of an epic yet very melodic musical direction and each track sounds different from each other.

Dawnstar plays a style of black metal that is very atmospheric and avoids any vocals and also mixes in a touch of ambient to create a style that stands out a bit more and the production sounds very dark and raw.

In my opinion Dawnstar are a very great sounding instrumental, atmospheric black metal solo project and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this demo. 8 out of 10.

Finland's Ancestors Blood have returned with a new recording which continues the atmospheric and melodic pagan/black metal sound of previous recordings and this is a review of their album "Hyperborea" which will be released in 2016 by Naturmacht Productions.

Nature sounds start off the album and after a minute ambient elements find their way onto the recording and on the second track the music gets more heavier and also adds in atmospheric synths and grim black metal screams and when solos and leads are utilized they give the music more of a classic metal feeling while also having more of a modern style..

A great portion of the tracks are very long and epic in length and some songs also bring in spoken word parts which also enhance the epic quality of the recording along with all of the musical instruments having a very powerful sound to them and the songs also bring in a great amount of melody and the music mostly sticks to either a slow or mid paced musical direction and they also bring in a synth instrumental before returning back to a heavier direction on the following tracks as well as adding in a small amount of fast yet raw riffs and blast beats as well as another tracks bring in a brief use of clean playing and they close the album with very nature orientated outro..

Ancestors Blood creates another recording that remains true to the epic, melodic and atmospheric pagan/black metal sound of previous recordings while also getting more melodic this time around, the production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover Paganism themes.

In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Ancestors Blood and if you are a fan of this band, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Way Of the Spirits" and "Funeral Rite". 8 out of 10.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Finland's solo project Charming Timur have returned with a new recording t hat continues the alternative, nu, experimental and post black metal of previous recordings and this is a review of his self released album "So Much, So Little, So Little, So Much' which will be released in 2016.

Ambient sounds start off the album before adding in melodic alternative rock style guitar leads a few seconds later and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to t hem and the vocals are whispers that are in a black metal direction and death metal growls and clean singing can be heard quite a lot throughout the recording.

A lot of nu metal elements can be heard in the guitar riffing and the riffs also have a melodic yet depressive black metal tone to them at times and there is a great amount of experimentation present throughout the whole recording and every song sounds different from each other and there are also psychedelic elements being utilized at times.

There are plenty of mainstream mid 90's rock and metal influences mixing in with the more extreme genres that where both enemies back in that time frame and there is also a couple of instrumental tracks later on during the recording and some of the songs also mix in electronic elements and more high pitched black metal screams are added onto the later songs and when clean playing is utilized it gives the music more of a post rock feeling.

With this recording Charming Timur still retains a black metal edge while also adding in elements of death metal and focusing more of the nu metal, alternative, experimental and post rock influences this time around to create a very original sounding recording, the production sounds very professional for being a self released recording while the lyrics cover angry and real life themes.

In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Charming Timur and if you are a fan of alternative, nu, and post black metal, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "My Last" "Gone Blaze" "Bad Choice" and "Going Insane". 8 out of 10.

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?hails from France! Jarnvidr at the base, was born from the spirit of Vastara. It's a project of pagan black metal, which asserts its membership of Normandy.

2.A couple of years back you had released a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?Vastara composed guitars and drums, it sought first of all, somebody to make the bass lines, I proposed to him to record the vocals, by the same occasion.We wanted songs effective, which could clearly translate, musically, our attraction for paganism.

3.Your lyrics cover a lot of Pagan topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Paganism?My lyrics talk about pagan topics yes, particulary links between paganism and our country, normannia, and its history...our traditions come from northmen...i wanted to affirm my opposition to monotheism, to christiannity through these topics.

4.Both of the band members have been involved in other bands or musical projects, what is it that you bring out with this musical project that you are not able to do in your other groups or projects?yes, we are both involved in others bands, Vastara wanted to experiment a black metal project. Personnaly, i already had a pagan black metal project called Asphodeles, my first one man band.I found that the composition of Vastara, corresponded exactly so that I wanted to express. That enabled me to work differently, to have an external point of view.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?Jarnvidr was born only for studio recording, so we prefer remaining a duo. in future, may be we could play live, it could be pleasant..but not for the moment.

6.Can you tell us a little bit about " Le rêve de Molasar"?This collective was created, after suicide of Molasar (P.H.T.O, Suicidal Madness) in January 2011.The purpose of it, is to honor his memory, and to make continue, the love which he had for the music!!!

actually, we are 6 members in the collective:Me (Alrinack), Saddy, Malsain, Psycho, Ogmios, Sekt.

7.One of the band members is involved with many different bands or musical projects, where do you find the time to be involved with all these different groups or projects?Yes, i'm involved in many bands and projects, its for me a catarsis, by this way, i can express all feelings that cross my spirit and body...hate, nihilism, melancolia, depression...it represent some many work, but with an organisation, all is possible, i give some priorities, some projects don't have time pression...i do with labels, partneers...

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and pagan metal?since two years, on worlwide, through reviews....feedbacks of "passeur des temps" are pleasant, and positive. they give to me, desire to do a pursuit to jarnvidr, if even, Vastara is ok to continue it.

9.What is going on with the other bands or musical projects these days?These days, some work are in progress. We are composing new albums for P.H.T.O and Suicidal madness and Uluun. I'm finishing the third demo of Loup noir, and i'm looking labels to release opus of Temple and Asphodeles. Since one month, i'm working with Kim serrano (ex- perennial isolation) on an atmospheric/depressive black metal opus...Many live projects are in work too (uluun tour, Ysengrin...)

10.When can we expect another album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?Like i said before, i esper that we'll record another album for Jarnvidr.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?i'm musician since many years, and so, i listen various musics, not only metal and black metal...i listen so much atmospheric black metal, many ambient projects, always old school black metal, but also folkorics, shamanics sounds...all are influences, in my conception of musical expression!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?to conclude, thank you for giving me this space of expression! support to underground black metal scene, like yours, is very important! continue your work!!Hails to black metal, war is near!!Alrinack